Road Trip

The land down under is an incredibly vast, stunningly beautiful and diverse, one of a kind continent/country, rich in history and culture which is very well worth traveling and exploring in all directions, during all seasons, as much and whenever possible.

Fortunately, flying between cities around Australia is easy, enjoyable but most importantly, budget friendly.

A good way to start planning and searching for flights options is on Kayak where multiple offers will displayed all at once. As they say, the more, the merrier right? Moreover, your wallet will thank you!

It takes approximately an hour and a half by airplane from Sydney to Brisbane, about 3 hours from Sydney to Mackay on the way to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Travelers from other parts of Australia can reach their destination within a few hours. For instance from Sydney to Perth, the flight duration is a little over 5 hours. It may be long but simply think about the great distance and land covered as well as time zones crossed.

Isn’t it just amazing? Sometimes we really do need to remember how fortunate we are to be able to go from one place to the next within the same day!

Can I be honest with you? I did fly those routes and had excellent experiences with Jetstar and Virgin Australia. Just sharing my two cents 🙂

Since Australia is surrounded by oceans, did you know that it has over 30 000 km of coastline? This makes it 7th of the world’s longest coastlines.

Tourism Australia has even created itineraries specifically for those who love road trips and travel along the coast! Now that truly is music to the ears of us water lovers.

Now I have already shown you The Best of Australia where two of my favorite cities are included: Sydney and Brisbane. Both are so special and unique in their own right plus they have so much to offer!

However did I ever share with you my favorite places under the sun and right by the ocean? Hint, they are in NSW and QLD: New South Wales and Queensland (I left my heart there, literally and figuratively).

What I truly enjoyed was the fact that they are only a car, bus or train ride away. If you know me by now, then you know how much I love the beach. Natural vitamin sea and D anyone? Raise your hand and say I!

So without any further do, here is my Top 5 favorite beaches in Australia

5- Bondi beach, Sydney, New South Wales

No matter which coastal city I find myself in anywhere around the globe, I always make it a top priority to head to the nearest beach.

Located only a half hour from the center of Sydney, and a scenic bus ride from town hall, Bondi beach is where city dwellers and travelers flock to in order to get away from the concrete jungle. It’s pretty easy to see why! What a fun and relaxing place, perfect to unplug and relax even if for a few hours!

Bring a picnic basket, bottle of wine, blanket, some good company and be prepared for a day to remember!

4- Airlie beach, Whitsunday Coast, Queensland

The gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, is certainly worth stopping over. There you will be able to unwind and be ready for the excursions as well as adventures waiting up ahead!

Airlie Lagoon is right in the heart of the seaside town. Spending time in the lagoon or going for a stroll in the sand at any of the beaches during sunrise or sunset is magical. If you like to stay out late, the nightlife will not disappoint!

Make sure you shop around to find the best day trip around the islands. I did and toured Daydream Island, Hamilton Island and last but not least, Whitsunday Island. Read all about it further below!

3- Moololaba beach, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Have you ever been to the Sunshine Coast? If not, then you need to add it to your travel bucket list!

Moololaba is a resort town facing the Coral Sea where you can go have a meal and cold drink al fresco near the esplanade, go for a swim or surf, walk on soft white sand, watch and hear the waves roll in.

I traveled from Brisbane to Caloundra, then went up to Mooloolaba by taking public transportation then by car.

I did say I’m adventurous right? So of I was able to do it, so can you 🙂

2- Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland

Surfers Paradise is a postcard perfect destination and a magnet for surfers, beach goers, sun seekers, party goers or just anyone needing to recharge, refocus as they will feel right at home.

The beauty of this location does not need any adjectives; it simply lives up to its name.
Imagine walking, running and soaking up the sun along 3 km of golden sand and of course, swimming in the majestic Pacific Ocean. If you need to be cured from any illness, then head over to paradise as you will be healed!

I loved spending the day away from Brisbane where I lived for a month. Again, I am an oceanholic and proud to be, anyone else?

1 – Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland

Do you believe heaven exists? Well, I got news for you. It actually has an address and it is found on an island off the coast of Queensland.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me present the most beautiful beach (in my humble opinion) that I have ever had the pleasure, privilege and honor of visiting, Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.

This inhabited island can only be reached by seaplane, boat or helicopter from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.

Be dazzled while walking on pure silica white sand and dip in the warm, turquoise waters. It truly is one of the world’s wonders.

Mother Nature spent some extra time on this part of the world and that was some spectacular work.

About Me

Welcome! I'm Karla, a travel & food blogger and photographer. I aim to educate, inform and entertain thanks to my travels around the world, books, culture, lifestyle and so much more! If you have any questions or wish to work with me, drop me a line: travellersoul76@gmail.com. Enjoy your visit :)